Preparation and application of transhintotalphenolic acid

ABSTRACT

A process for preparing tanshintotalphenolic acid and the use of the product are disclosed. The process comprises: tanshin is hot-extracted with water, the extract is separated and refined by polyamide column and macroporous adsorption resin column, and lyophilized to obtain tanshintotalphenolic acid. The yield of the final end product is more than 4 percent based on the amount of crude drug and the content of totalphenolic acid is more than 80 percent. The tanshintotalphenolic acid obtained can be used as the medicine for preventing and treating cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases and so on.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an extract of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). More particularly, the present invention relates to a refined total phenolic acid extracted from TCM Danshen and the method for extracting the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Danshen, also known by its botanical name Radix Salvia Miltiorrhizae, is one of the most common-used traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) in China. It mainly consists of two categories of chemical ingredients, namely the water-soluble and the non water-soluble. Dating back to the early 20th century, the chief research on these ingredients has always been concentrated on the non water-soluble ones represented by tashinone, and achieved great success after decades of efforts. It is not until the beginning of 1980s that, after a lot of work, our scientists have studied Danshen's water-soluble ingredients, and first reported structure of the water-soluble one, Danshensu. Afterward, tens of water-soluble ones have also been discovered one after another with the definitive chemical structure. Subsequently it has been proven that, of the active ingredients in Danshen's water-soluble ones, the most effective is phenolic acid compounds, such as salvianoic acid A(1), B(2), C(3), D(4), E(5), F(8), G(9), H(11), I(12), J(13), rosmarinci acid (6), alkannic acid (7), isosalvianoic acid C(10), glucoside of rosmarinci acid(14), etc. (Lian-Niang Li, J. Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences 1997, 6, 57-64). Pharmacologically, a variety of activities of these salvianolic acid compounds have already been reported. For example, Salvianolic acid A has significant protecting effects on cardiac muscle cell caused by ischemic reperfusion (I/R), and totalphenolic acid has strong anti-arrhythmia effect induced by I/R; Salvianolic acid A, B and totalphenolic acid have showed markedly protective effects against brain damage caused by I/R in rats by lowering content of MDA in brain tissues; there are plenty more other effects for the salvianolic acid as follows: anti-thrombus effects, protective effect on liver and kidney, anti-oxidation and inhibiting lipid super oxidation, as well scavenging puperoxide anion and free radical etc. (Du Guanhua etal, Basic medical science and clinics, 2000, 20 (5):10−14).

At present, a great number of processes of extracting Salviamolic acid have been reported, but most of them are mainly focused on passing resin column following extracting by water. For example, Takashi Tanaka et al revealed the method of extracting salvainolate (Chemical Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 1989, 37(2), 340−344). Besides, there have also been many other scientists who have adopted similar methods for extracting phenolic compounds from Danshen, such as Koji Hase et al (Planta Medica, 1997, 63, 22−26), Xu Yaming et al (China patent CN1247855A, published in March, 2000), Liu Ping et al (China patent CN1270809A, published in October, 2000), and Li Lianniang (China Patent Application No. 0114228.2, filed on September 2001). But all of above-mentioned processes for extracting have a common problem in industrialization, namely a great deal of water need to be concentrated. Because of the instability, the concentrating temperature of total salvainolic acid water decoction must be varying between 50° C. and 60° C., which accordingly will result in both the difficulties in techniques and rise in cost. Meanwhile, the lasting heating process, although between 50° C. and 60° C., will also produce a series of serious problems including instability, and therefore affect its quality and curative effect. Finally, all these problems make it almost impossible for the industrialization. Another shortcoming of these already-existing processes is that the low yield, generally between 2% and 3%, limits its application in the industry.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is, obviating the drawbacks of the prior art, to provide a method for preparation of totalphenolic acid with high yield, low cost, good quality, and convenience of being applied in the industry.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention of preparing totalphenolic acid mainly consists of the following steps, namely decocting Danshen with hot water; separating the decoction with Polyamide column and macroporous adsorption resin.

The totalphenolic acid may be obtained by the following scheme:

-   (a) After the impurities is eliminated, the Danshen is cut into     little sections or pulverized into crude powder, and decocted with     hot water. The decoction is filtered after its pH value being     adjusted to acidity. -   (b) Applying said decoction on a polyamide column, and washing the     column with water to neutral condition. Eluting the column with weak     basic aqueous solution, and collecting the eluent. -   (c) Applying the eluent on the macroporous adsorption resin column,     after acidifying the basic eluent of step (b). At first, washing the     column with water to neutral condition, and then eluting the column     with hydrous or anhydrous lower alcohol. Afterward, collecting the     eluent. -   (d) Concentrating the eluent under reduced pressure until there is     no ethanol, and drying it to obtain the total salvianolic acid.

In step (a), Danshen is extracted with hot water for 2 to 4 times, 0.5 to 2 h each, and the extracting temperature is 60 to 100° C., preferably 90 to 100° C.; the extract solution after each extracting process, alone or combined, preferably combined, is further treated; the pH value is adjusted with acid to less than 4, preferably below 2.

In step (b), the concentration of weak basic aqueous solution preferably is from 0.01% to 2%, most preferably 0.08% to 0.5%, and the common polyamide materials is used, for example, polycaprolactam (nylon-6).

In step (c), the common macroporous adsorbent resin is used, for example styrene-type adsorbent resin; the pH value of weak basic fractions are adjusted by acid to below 4, preferably below 2; the number of carbon atoms in lower ethanol ranges from 1 to 5, for example, the methanol, ethanol, etc.; the eluting concentration is 40% to 95%, preferably 60% to 95%. However, in view of the safety in large-scale industrialized production, lowering cost and process simplification, eluting by 95% ethanol is the best option to achieve satisfying purpose.

In step (d), if necessary, said concentrate is dried, such as by lyophilization, following being filtered with microporous filter membrane.

The totalphenolic acid produced by the method of this invention can be formulated into any kind of pharmaceutically acceptable dosage form, and can also be combined with other medicaments or active ingredients.

According to this invention, a totalphenolic acid of Danshen, produced by the method of this invention.

A pharmaceutical composition, including the totalphenolic acid of Danshen of this invention and pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.

Compared with the prior art, this invention has the following advantages:

-   1. Easiness of industrialization. In the prior art, a great deal of     water need to be concentrated during the process, resulting in the     difficulties in industrialization. Such a defect is overcome in the     present invention, wherein, without heating and decompression, lot     of water are surprisingly removed. Consequently, the processes and     conditions are optimized with no energy consuming and environment     pollution. So, with the advantages in respect of techniques or     environmental protection, it is easy to bring about     industrialization. -   2. Reduction of loss in active ingredients. The present invention     can effectively avoid a loss of active ingredients caused by     precipitation with alcohol in prior art, and also prevent     instability of totalphenolic acid in concentrating a lot of water.     All these above would in effect avoid the losses and decomposition     of the active ingredients during the process, so as to assure the     stability of final product. -   3. High yield. The yield of the products produced in the prior art     (i.e. the dried totalphenolic acid powder) is only 2% −3% by weight     based on the crude herbal medicine; while using the method of     present invention, the yield is more than 4%, apparently better than     that of the prior art. Moreover, the content of totalphenolic acid     in the high quality final product is more than 80% with less     impurity. -   4. Lower cost. In the method of present invention, a great deal of     water can be concentrated and removed without heating and     decompression, effectively reducing the energy consumption and cost.     In addition, the yield of the total phonelic acid by this invention     is higher, and moreover its content in the final product is close to     or higher than that of the prior art, that is to say, more products     with equal or better quality will be produced from the same amount     of crude herbal medicine. The lower cost will benefit a lot, not     only in the industrialization, but also the patients' economic     interests, accordingly bringing about a great social benefit. -   5. The studies on animals also show the good effects of the     totalphenolic acid produced by the method of present invention.     Protective Effect of the Totalphenolic Acid Against Cerebral Artery     Ischemia in Rats     1. Materials and Methods -   1) Animals: Male Wister rats, weighing from 200 to 220 g     (Certificate No. SCXK(Beijing) 2002-003), are obtained from the     Animal Center of Beijing Medical University. -   2) Reagents: Chloral Hydrate purchased from Shenyang reagent     factory, Liaoning, China, the batch number being 920401.     -   Red tetrazoline (TTC) from Beijing chemical plant, the batch         number being 810911. -   3) Apparatus: High-frequency electric knife purchased from Beijing     medical electronic apparatus factory.     -   The SXP-1B operating microscope from Shanghai medical optical         instrument factory. -   4) Tested agents: The total phonetic acid produced by Tianjin Tasly     Modern TCM institute according to the method of the present     invention; and     -   The total salvianolic acid produced by Institute of Materia         Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences in accordance with         the method of China Patent Application No. 01142288.2 filed on         September, 2001.     -   Xiangdan injection, as control drug, purchased from Ya an Sanjiu         pharmaceutical Co. ltd, the bath number being 010901. -   5) Formulation method of the tested agents and route of     administration: The totalphenolic acid and Xiangdan injection are     diluted into desired concentration with sterilized physiological     saline, 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg for the totalphenolic acid, and 1     ml/kg (equal to 1 g/kg) for Xiangdan injection. By sublingual vein,     both of these kinds of drugs are administered 30 minutes after     ischemia. -   6) Groups: All rats are randomly divided into the following groups:     sham operation control group, ischemic control group, total phonetic     acid (Institute of Materia Medica) 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg groups,     total phonelic acid (Tasly) 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg groups.     2. Method -   1) cerebral artery blockade (electric coagulation) ischemia in rats:     Rats are anesthetized by intraperitoneal injection of Trichloracetic     aldehyde, 350 mg/kg body weight, and fixed on a board in a left     lateral position. Under the operating microscope, the skin is     incised open via midline between the external auditory meatus and     the canthus. The zygomatic orthopedics is exposed, and removed     thoroughly with orthopedics rongeur. The fascia is nipped off along     skull, and tempora fossa is exposed. Between the squamous     orthopedics and mandible is gently propped up with retractor, and at     the bottom of the skull the skull window is opened so as to uncover     cerebral middle artery. The middle artery is burnt out with the     high-frequency electric knife in order to block the blood flow,     forming a model of cerebral local ischemia. After 30 minutes, the     rats are administrated through sublingual vein, and sent back to     cage for feed. The room temperature is rigorously kept between     24° C. and 25° C. -   2) The measurement of cerebral infarct volume: 24 hours after the     cerebral middle artery is blocked, the rats are beheaded and their     cerebrums are taken out. The whole cerebrum is kept at 4° C. in a     beaker filled with normal-saline in a refrigerator for 10 minutes,     and then the olfactory bulb, the cerebellum and the low-set brain     stem are removed. Along the coronal plane, the cerebrum is chipped     into 5 slices, and put into 5 ml dyeing solutions containing 1.5 ml     of 4% TTC and 0.1 ml of 1 mol/L di-potassium hydrogen phosphate,     light-proof incubated in water bath 37° C. for 30 minutes. The     slices of cerebrum are taken out and put into 10% formalin for     solidification. As a result, the normal cerebral tissue is rose     pink, and the ischemic one is white. The weight planimetry is used     to measure the area of infarct, and further the percentage of the     area of infarct to the whole cerebrum hemisphere is calculated. -   3) The measurement of content of water in the cerebrum: 24 hours     after blockade of the cerebral middle artery, the rats are executed,     and the whole cerebrum is gently taken out. After that the olfactory     bulb, the cerebellum and the low-set brain stem are taken away, the     cerebrum is weighed (regarded as the cerebral wet weight). After     that, the cerebrum is dried in an oven at 105° C. till that the     weight is constant (about 48 hours), and is weighed again (referred     to as the cerebral dry weight). The final content of water in the     cerebrum is calculated with the following formula:     the content of water in the cerebrum=(the cerebral wet weight−the     cerebral dry weight)/the cerebral wet weight×100%.     3. Result

Protective effect of the totalphenolic acid against the cerebral middle artery coagulation ischemia in rats

dosage number group mg/kg of animal N Volume of infarct (%) the content of water (%) sham operation control group 12 0  79.4586 ± 0.3402** ischemic control group 10 7.0194 ± 4.389  80.4487 ± 0.8614  Xiangdan injection 1 ml/kg 12  0.7553 ± 2.2188**  79.4364 ± 0.5061** total phonelic acid (Institute of 10 12 3.2919 ± 3.205#  79.4723 ± 0.5475** Materia Medica) total phonelic acid (Institute of 20 12  1.5156 ± 2.7602* 79.4806 ± 0.6819* Materia Medica) total phonelic acid (Tasly) 10 10  2.8170 ± 3.2621# 79.4529 ± 0.7693* total phonelic acid (Tasly) 20 10  1.5328 ± 3.2575* 79.5914 ± 0.5843* note: (1) **P < 0.01, *P < 0.05, two-sided test, comparing with ischemic control group. #P < 0.05, one-sided test, compared with ischemic control group. (2) 1 ml/kg the Xiang dan injection as a control is equal to 1 g/kg of crude herbal medicine; 10 mg/kg totalphenolic acid (Tasly) is equal to 0.25 g/kg of crude herbal medicine (calculated with yield being 4%); and 20 mg/kg totalphenolic acid (Tasly) is equal to 0.5 g/kg of crude herbal medicine (calculated with yield being 4%). 4. Conclusion

By using the method of coagulation in middle cerebral artery to attain cerebral ischemia in rats, the protective effect of the totalphenolic acid produced respectively by Tasly and Institute of Materia Medica on cerebral artery ischemic has been observed. The result revealed that, 30 min after administration in vein, 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg of both two kinds of phenolic acids could markedly alleviate cerebral edema and cerebral infarction caused by ischemia. Moreover, the said two kinds of phenolic acids had the same effect administered in the same dosage. All above studies have showed that two phenolic acids had the same effect of anti-cerebral ischemia.

The totalphenolic acid of this invention can be formulated into pharmaceutically acceptable dosage forms, including tablet, capsule, granules, oral liquid, sustained-release formulation, control-release formulation, gel, ointment, salve, cream, suppository, injection, powder, patch, dripping pill and suspension.

The totalphenolic acid of this invention can be used for the treatment of diseases, including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, nephrosis, hepatopathy, pneumonia, pneumocardial disease, pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, cervical syndrome, ocular fundus vascular disease, ocular fundus neuro-disease, migrain, chronic gastritis, dizziness, orthopedics disease, mountain sickness and senile dementia.

EMBODIMENTS

The following examples are offered for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE

Totalphenolic acid is prepared according to the Chinese Patent Application No. 01142288.2, filed on September 2001.

5 Kg of Danshen herb is ground into crude powder, and is extracted at 100° C. for three times with deionized water added, specifically, extracted for 1 hour with 30 L water added the first time, and extracted for 0.5 hour with 15 L water added the second and third times respectively. The extract is concentrated to 5 L at 50° C. under reduced pressure and cooled. Into the concentrate 14 L of 95% ethanol is added. The mixture is allowed to stand over night and filtered. Under reduced pressure, the ethanol is recovered at 50° C. The obtained concentrate is applied on RA macroporous adsorption resin (mainly containing styrene and chrysophenine, and the weight of dried resin is 2 kg). The resin is washed with deionized water until that the eluent had no apparent α-naphthol reaction, and then eluted with 50% ethanol until that the eluent had no obvious phenolic hydroxyl reaction with iron sesquichloride potassium ferricyanide added. The fractions are concentrated at 50° C. under reduced pressure. The mixture is allowed to stand over night in a refrigerator, and filtered to produce the extract of Total salvianolic acid. The pH of the said extract is adjusted with 2% sodium hydroxid to 6.5, and the extract is freeze dried to produce 114 g of totalphenolic acid. The yield of the final product in crude drug is 2.3%. The analysis showed that the content of totalphenolic acid in final product amounted to 83.72%, and Salvianolic acid B was in amount of 54.41%.

Total salvianolic acid and Salvianolic acid B are analyzed according to the method of Chinese Patent Application No. 01142288.3 filed on September 2001.

-   (1) Salvianolic acid B: analyzed by HPLC at 288 nm. The Salvianolic     acid B CRS is manufactured by Modern TCM Institute under Tianjin     Tasly Group with purity of 98.0%. -   (2) Total salvianolic acid: Content=F(A−B)+B     wherein, A is the content of Total salvianolic acid calculated with     the Salvianolic acid B as CRS by ultraviolet spectrophotometry;     -   B is the content of Salvianolic acid B by HPLC;     -   F is correction factor 0.626.

EXAMPLE 1

5 kg of Danshen herb is ground into crude powder, and is extracted at 100° C. at the state of lightly boiling for three times with deionized water, specifically, extracted for 1 hour with water (×5.5 fold) added the first time, and extracted for 0.5 hour with water (×3 fold) added the second and third times respectively. The extract is combined, and the pH thereof is adjusted with 10% hydrochloric acid to 2.0. The extract is filtered, and the filtrate is loaded on polyamide column (the amount of the dry resin is two-thirds of that of the crude herb). The column is washed with deionized water (×5 fold), and the washing is discarded. Then the column is eluted with 5 column volumes of the 0.1% aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate. The fraction was collected, adjusted with 10% hydrochloric acid to pH 2.0, and is loaded on D₁₀₁ macro-porous resin column. The column is washed with deionized water to neutral condition and the washing is discarded. Then the column is eluted with 95% ethanol, and the colored belt is collected when it is eluted down. The fractions are concentrated under reduced pressure to entire dryness. The above concentrate is dissolved with water. The mixture is allowed to stand over night in refrigerator, and filtered by 0.3 μm mixed cellulose microporous membrane to produce extraction solution of Total salvianolic acid. Immediately after this totalphenolic acid is adjusted with 2% sodium hydroxide to pH 6.0, it is freeze dried to produce 221 g of freeze-dried powders of Total salvianolic acid. The yield of the final product is 4.4% based on the amount of the crude herb. The analysis according to the method of Chinese Patent Application No. 01142288.2 filed on September 2001 shows that, the totalphenolic acid amounts to 83.94%, and Salvianolic acid B is 53.73% in the final product.

EXAMPLE 2

5 kg of Danshen herb is ground into crude powder, and is extracted at 80° C. for three times with deionized water, specifically, extracted for 2 hours with water (×5.5 fold) added the first time, and extracted for 1 hour with water (×3 fold) added the second and third times respectively. The extracts are combined, and the pH thereof is adjusted with 5% sulfuric acid to 1. The extract is filtered, and the filtrate is loaded on polyamide column (the amount of the dry resin is two-thirds of that of the crude herb). The column is washed with deionized water (×5 fold), and the washing is discarded. Then the column is eluted with 4 column volumes of the 0.2% aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate. The fractions are collected, adjusted with 5% sulfuric acid to a pH of 1, and is loaded on AB-8 macro-porous adsorption resin column. The column is washed with deionized water to neutral condition and the washing is discarded. Then the column is eluted with 60% ethanol, and the colored belt is collected when it is eluted down. The fractions are concentrated under the reduced pressure until it had no smell of ethanol. The mixture is allowed to stand over night in refrigerator, and filtered by 0.3 μm mixed cellulose micro-porous membrane to produce extraction solution of Total salvianolic acid. Immediately after this totalphenolic acid is adjusted with 2% sodium hydroxide to pH 6.0, it is freeze dried to produce 227 g of freeze-dried powders of Total salvianolic acid. The yield of the final product is 4.5% based on the amount of the crude herb. The analysis according to the method of Chinese Patent Application No. 01142288.2 filed on September 2001 shows that, the totalphenolic acid amounts to 83.15%, and Salvianolic acid B is 54.03% in the final product.

EXAMPLE 3

5 kg of Danshen herb is ground into crude powder, and is extracted at 100° C. at the state of lightly boiling for three times with deionized water, specifically, extracted for 1 hour with water (×5.5 fold) added the first time, and extracted for 0.5 hour with water (×3 fold) added the second and third times respectively. The extract is combined, and the pH thereof is adjusted with 10% hydrochloric acid to 2.0. The extract is filtered, and the filtrate is loaded on polyamide column (the amount of the dry resin is two-thirds of that of the crude herb). The column is washed with deionized water (×5 fold), and the washing is discarded. Then the column is eluted with 5 column volumes of the 0.1% aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate. The fractions are collected, adjusted with 10% hydrochloric acid to a pH of 2.0, and is loaded on RA macro-porous resin column. The column is washed with deionized water to neutral condition and the washing is discarded. Then the column is eluted with 60% Methanol, and the colored belt is collected when it is eluted down. The fractions are concentrated under the reduced pressure until it had no smell of ethanol. The mixture is allowed to stand over night in refrigerator, and filter by 0.3 μm mixed cellulose micro-porous membrane to produce extraction solution of Total salvianolic acid. Immediately after this totalphenolic acid is adjusted with 2% sodium hydroxide to pH 6.0, it is freeze dried to produce 224 g of freeze-dried powders of Total salvianolic acid. The yield of the final product is 4.5% based on the amount of the crude herb. The analysis according to the method of Chinese Patent Application No. 01142288.2 filed on September 2001 shows that, the totalphenolic acid amounts to 84.02%, and Salvianolic acid B is 54.17% in the final product.

EXAMPLE 4

Formula of Total Salvianolic Acid Capsule

Total salvianolic acid 240 g Microcrystalline cellulose  40 g Talcum powder 1.4% 3% ethanol solution of polyvidone appropriate 1000 capsules are produced.

Total salvianolic acid and microcrystalline cellulose are mixed thoroughly. 3% ethanol solution of polyvidone is added into the mixture to make soft stuff. It is sifted through 18-mesh screen sieve to give granules, and dried at 60° C. for 30 to 45 min. Then, talcum powder is added, and the mixture is stirred and filled into No. 1 capsule shell to produce capsules each of which contains 240 mg.

EXAMPLE 5

Formula of of Total Salvianolic Acid Tablet

Total salvianolic acid 240 g Microcrystalline cellulose  40 g Talcum powder 1.4% 3% ethanol solution of polyvidone appropriate 1000 tablets are produced.

Total salvianolic acid and microcrystalline cellulose are mixed thoroughly. 3% ethanol solution of polyvidone is added into the mixture to make soft stuff. It is sifted through 18-mesh screen sieve to give granules, and dried at 60° C. for 30 to 45 min. Then, talcum powders are added, and the mixture is stirred and tableted.

EXAMPLE 6

Formula of Total Salvianolic Acid Granula

Total salvianolic acid 240 g Microcrystalline cellulose 40 g Talcum powder 1.4% 3% ethanol solution of polyvidone appropriate 500 sachets are produced.

Total salvianolic acid and microcrystalline cellulose are mixed thoroughly. 3% ethanol solution of polyvidone is added into the mixture to make soft stuff. It is sifted through 18-mesh screen sieve to give granules, and dried at 60° C. for 30 to 45 min, and filled into sachets.

EXAMPLE 7

Formula of Total Salvianolic Acid Powder for Injection

Total salvianolic acid 100 g Mannite  30 g Antallin  5 g Distilled water  5 ml

The above ingredients are mixed well, lyophilized, and filled into 1000 vials. 

1. A method for the preparation of total salvianolic acid comprising the steps of: (a) extracting Danshen with water to produce a Danshen extract, acidifying the extract and filtering the extract; (b) applying the Danshen extract to a polyamide column, washing the polyamide column with water until neutral, discarding the washings, and collecting fractions eluted from the polyamide column with a weak basic aqueous solution; (c) acidifying the fractions eluted from the polyamide column, applying the fractions to a macroporous adsorption resin column, washing the column with water to achieve neutrality, discarding the washings, and collecting eluate from the macroporous adsorption resin column with a hydrous or anhydrous lower alcohol, wherein the eluate is further optionally concentrated and dried.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of extracting Danshen with water is repeated 2-4 times for 0.5-2 hours each time.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of extracting Danshen with water is carried out at 60-100° C.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of extracting Danshen with water is carried out at 90-100° C.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the pH of the Danshen extract is adjusted to below 4, and the pH of the fractions eluted from the polyamide column adjusted to below
 4. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the pH of the Danshen extract is adjusted to below 2, and the pH of the fractions eluted from the polyamide column is adjusted with hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid to a value below
 2. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the fractions eluted from the polyamide column are eluted with 0.01-2% of aqueous weak basic solution.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the fractions eluted from the polyamide column are eluted with 0.08-0.5% of an aqueous solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the macroporous adsorption resin is a type of styrene.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the hydrous or anhydrous lower alcohol is a lower C₁-C₅ alcohol.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the hydrous lower alcohol is an aqueous ethanol with a concentration of 40-95%.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the concentration of the lower C₁-C₅ alcohol is 60-95%.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the concentration of the aqueous ethanol is 95%.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the aqueous ethanol has a concentration of 60-95%. 